Thanks for the reply.
Some comments on downgrading... (I found out the hard way. )
The firmware files are in 7zip format, so one needs to download the tools to un7zip them. (Google is your friend, also found the tools are easily installed in ubuntu)
After that, just follow the instructions for enabling service mode and install old software.
It took me better part of the evening, but now my mp3-player is running rockbox. Many thanks!